Liverpool Vs PSG: Jurgen Klopp to find out, Is Thomas Tuchel right man to follow on his footsteps?

Liverpool Vs PSG fixture in UEFA Champions League will give Jurgen Klopp an opportunity to find out, is Thomas Tuchel right man to follow on his footsteps? Thomas Tuchel followed on the footsteps of Jurgen Klopp at his last two jobs before finally making a jump to manage Paris Saint-Germain this summer. Tuchel followed Klopp when the latter left Mainz and bettered him. He also followed him at Borussia Dortmund, when Klopp decided to leave Dortmund at the end of the 2014/15 season. Even when Klopp announced his arrival at Liverpool in October 2015, Tuchel joked that “Now I know where I’ll be going next as a coach”. However, his spell at Dortmund didn’t last long and now he’s managing PSG.

Liverpool and PSG will face each other on Tuesday night in their opening Champions League fixture. It will allow Klopp and Tuchel to go against each-other, and it will be their time to prove who is tactically superior. Klopp will certainly have home advantage in another special night at Anfield, but considering opposition star studded side, it’s hardly going to matter. Even if Anfield does play a role, Tuchel will get his opportunity to settle the accounts at Parc des Princes.

They already met each other at Europa League quarterfinals stage in 2015/16 season. Thomas Tuchel visited Anfield as Borussia Dortmund manager and Klopp was managing Liverpool. That time both teams produced a very memorable night at Anfield as Liverpool won 4-3 to go on aggregate 5-4 into the semifinal.

We expect a similar attacking game from both managers this time as well. Tuchel is definitely managing a different team now, but Paris Saint-Germain have more attacking prowess than then Dortmund team.

If Klopp can boast of better work rate of his attacking trio of Mohamed Salah, Sadio Mane, and Roberto Firmino, then PSG attacking trio of Edinson Cavani, Neymar, and Kylian Mbappe are established stars of the game.

Both teams attacking trio are fundamental to their success. They were the two competing sides last season in the race of who will score more goals in the competition. PSG finished winners with their 25 goals at group stage.

Liverpool VS PSG at Anfield will be an absolute field day for the Reds. They have zero European heritage and will absolutely crumble under the atmosphere of a European night at Anfield. Will be a City-esc thumping. Neymar will be in fucking tears.

Goals will certainly be there, there is no denying in it. It will be first real test for Liverpool’s defense this season as well knowing Virgil Van Dijk and Joe Gomez have done a tremendous job as a centre-back pairing till now.

It will be first real test for PSG as well to measure their preparation this season for UEFA Champions League after suffering two straight last 16 stage elimination.

On the other hand, it’s time for Liverpool to prove that they were not surprise finalist last season. They deserve to play regular in Europe.

Jurgen Klopp and Thomas Tuchel have contrasting style of play. It will be a great test tactically as well. Whereas Klopp believes in his gegenpressing style, putting constant pressure on opponents with the ball or without the ball, Tuchel philosophy is to maintain the possession. He is also known for his flexibility shifting the gear as per opponents’ strength and weaknesses.

It’s really going to be a great battle at Anfield on Tuesday. The only concern for Klopp is Liverpool’s busy schedule and he’s yet to bring rotation in his squad. He has continued to play with his best playing XI in hope of not losing points in Premier League.

Whereas other Champions League teams gave rest to their key players for midweek fixtures on weekend, Liverpool continued with their first choice playing XI. Players burn-out could prove influential in the game knowing PSG gave rest to their star duo of Neymar & Mbappe.

We have little concern about midfield battle knowing Liverpool’s midfield will dominate the game as Marco verratti and Adrien Rabiot will find it difficult to adapt to Reds’ gegenpressing. I only have doubt about Liverpool’s fullbacks who may find Mbappe and Neymar are different nuts to whoever they have faced up till now.

Tuchel’s other concern will be managing his team to not to be disheartened by Anfield’s crowd presence. When it comes to European nights, their Euphoria is of course on a different level. Neymar predictions of Liverpool not finishing in top four of Premier League is also not going to give a very warm welcome to the Brazilian when he’ll come out on the pitch.

Overall, it’s going to be a very entertaining fixture. As a neutral, you have plenty of things to enjoy in this match and as a die-hard club fans, these are the matches you want your clubs to win.